Staff Attorney

Job Announcement 

Position Title: Staff Attorney 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Reports To: Supervising Attorney 
Location: Bemidji Minnesota Area (must reside in one of the following counties: Beltrami, Cass, Lake of the Woods, Clearwater, Hubbard, Koochiching, or Itasca) 
Work Arrangement: Hybrid with required in-person work 
Salary Range: $80,000–$110,000, depending on experience 
Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified candidates 

Deadline to Apply: 05/29/2026

Organization 

Justice North is a nonprofit civil legal aid organization providing free legal services to low-income individuals across northern Minnesota. Formed through the merger of Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota and Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, Justice North serves clients in both urban and rural communities with a commitment to equity, dignity, and access to justice. 

We provide a full range of poverty law services and partner closely with community organizations, courts, and service providers to help clients achieve safety, stability, and long-term solutions to legal problems. 

Position Summary 

Justice North seeks a Staff Attorney to serve clients in the Bemidji region of Minnesota. This position provides direct civil legal services to eligible clients across Justice North’s north central service area. 

The Staff Attorney must reside in one of the following counties: Beltrami, Cass, Lake of the Woods, Clearwater, Hubbard, Koochiching, or Itasca. 

This role is based in our Bemidji office. The requires a regular in-person presence in the Bemidji office one day per week. Ideally, the successful candidate resides within 30 miles of the office or is willing to commute weekly.

The Bemidji office will serve as the attorney’s primary base for in-person work, collaboration, and supervision. 

While some work may be completed remotely, a consistent physical presence in the region is required, including court appearances, client meetings, outreach, and collaboration with community partners. Specific geographic coverage and office assignment will be discussed during the hiring process and finalized at the time of offer. 

Northern Minnesota offers the opportunity to build a meaningful legal career while enjoying a high quality of life. From lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation to close-knit communities and shorter commutes, the region combines professional impact with personal balance. Attorneys in this region have the chance to become trusted community partners, develop broad and deep legal skills, and see the direct impact of their work on individuals and families. For those relocating, Justice North offers support to help make the transition successful. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

Staff Attorneys manage an assigned caseload and provides high-quality civil legal services to eligible clients across a range of poverty law matters, including family law, orders for protection and harassment restraining orders, housing and eviction defense, consumer law, public benefits, elder law, and other civil legal issues consistent with Justice North’s priorities. 

Staff Attorneys represent clients in court, administrative hearings, and other legal proceedings; conducts legal research; and applies legal analysis to support effective advocacy and client-centered outcomes. In addition to direct representation, Staff Attorneys participate in community legal education, outreach activities, and legal clinics, and collaborate with courts, community organizations, and other justice system partners.  

Staff Attorneys provide direction and appropriate task delegation to support staff as needed, comply with timekeeping requirements and all applicable federal regulations, and organizational policies, and demonstrate reliable and timely attendance. The position may also includes participation in special projects as assigned. 

Qualifications 

Applicants must hold a Juris Doctor degree and be licensed to practice law in Minnesota, eligible for admission by motion or reciprocity, or willing to take the next scheduled Minnesota Bar Examination.  Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to serving clients with disabilities and low-income, vulnerable clients, as well as the ability to holistically screen clients for multiple, intersecting legal issues. 

Strong oral and written advocacy skills, sound professional judgment, excellent communication skills, and effective time-management are required. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team is essential. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, be insurable with Justice North’s carrier, and be willing to travel within the service area. 

Experience in poverty law or related practice areas and experience working in rural or geographically dispersed communities are preferred but not required. 

Working Conditions 

This position is hybrid with required in-person office days, court appearances, outreach, meetings, and community-based work. Regular travel within the north central service area is required, along with occasional evening, weekend, or early morning hours. 

Compensation and Benefits 

Justice North offers a competitive salary based on experience, with a range of $80,000–$110,000, and an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; exceptionally generous paid time off; paid federal holidays; and relocation assistance for candidates who choose to move to the region. 

How to Apply 

Please submit a cover letter and resume through BambooHR. Justice North is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace.